A handful of people and one business in Harrison County have been indicted on food stamp fraud related crimes.
 
Agents with the Ohio Investigative Unit of the State Highway Patrol began investigating after receiving a complaint of food stamp fraud taking place at Ferguson III LLC, also known as Deersville General Store on West Main Street in Deersville. 
 
The Harrison County grand jury indicted 26-year old James Ferguson, 38-year old Sean E. Ager, 47-year old Paula Elliot,  33-year old Nicole A. Konanec, 53-year old Robert A. Schmidt, and Ferguson III, Inc. for Illegal use of Supplemental Nutrition or Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Program Benefits.   
 
Canton Agent-in-Charge John Campbell says food stamp fraud is a crime that impacts many, including the taxpayers. 
 
Harrison County Sheriff’s Office worked jointly with OIU agents on this investigation.
 
To report food stamp fraud at a retail location, you contact the Ohio Investigative Unit at #677.